MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - A familiar face is taking the top leadership spot at one of Rutherford County’s most prestigious schools. Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan announced last week that Assistant Principal Andy Roach will be the new principal of McFadden School of Excellence.

The K-5 academic magnet school has a long history of high performance. U.S. News and World Report has named McFadden the top elementary school in Tennessee multiple times, and the school was just named a National Blue Ribbon School.

Dr. Sullivan said wide interest poured in for the position. However, after interviews and community feedback, Sullivan said it became obvious that the next leader was already in the building.

Roach is a veteran educator of 16 years. He student-taught at McFadden, taught math at La Vergne Middle School for four years, and then returned to McFadden to teach for five years. He has served as assistant principal for the past seven years.

Roach succeeds Dr. Clark Blair, who led the school for 21 years. Blair is moving on to become the next principal of nearby Central Magnet School. Roach praised Blair as a great mentor who prepared him for this next step.

Roach said his goal is to preserve the culture that makes McFadden special while continuing to grow opportunities for local families. He officially steps into his new role on June 1. Rutherford County Schools will begin the search for a new assistant principal soon.